St. Paul's Center of New York

1 Jeannemarie Baker Executive Director
2 Hilda Melissa Marshall Office Manager

Press Release

The Senate,
State of New York, Albany

May 18, 2004

I enjoyed visiting with you and learning about the mission and work of St. Paul's Center. You are focusing on an important concern of mine, that of the growing number of homeless mentally ill persons here in New York City, and I commend your efforts in this area.

Employing nurse practitioners to address this ever-growing problem in our community is both a unique and sensible way to reverse this negative trend and help create true systemic changes. By fostering collaborative and trusting relationships and by delivering mental health treatment that is respectful, continuous, and comprehensive, the nurse practitioners will provide a real opportunity for a far greater number of people to reach their maximum potential than is currently possible.

I congratulate you on creating this impressive model of care. St. Paul's Center represents an exciting and compassionate alternative for a population which has often been overlooked and under-served. I support your vital mission and look forward to our continuing work together to meet the needs of those who are mentally ill and homeless.

Thomas K. Duane

New York State Senator, 29th District